Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology (IR) simply means that doctors now can use tiny instruments combined with digital imaging to treat what once would have required more risk, more pain and a longer recovery.

Science Fiction Becomes Reality

What should have been science fiction in the 1960s, is reality today. Decatur Memorial Hospital looked into the future of medicine and brought it to Macon County with the first dedicated Interventional Radiology center.

What are the odds? Excellent!

Decatur Memorial Hospital introduced this specialized medical field to the community four years ago. In that short time, the demand for IR treatment has led to a nearly 7,000 square foot expansion with three state-of-art procedure rooms.

Two Sides to Everything

DMH is the first hospital in Illinois to offer Siemens® AXIOM artis BA bi-plane digital flat panel technology, making it possible for IR specialists to view two different angles at the same time, while guiding very small instruments through blood vessels or other pathways to treat serious medical conditions. The Siemens® bi-plane gives the doctor a sharper picture to view and means less radiation for the patient.

Some of the conditions that can be treated with IR include:

Spine compression fractures

Uterine fibroids

Decreased blood flow to the legs

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm repair

Cancer treatment

Varicose veins

Stroke

IR procedures do not require a large incision or general anesthesia. Patients can be treated on an outpatient basis or have a very short hospitalization period.